Holt's Picnic Area- off Badin Lake Rd., Troy, NC is an excellent day-use site for fishing and picnicking in a picturesque setting along the shores of Badin Lake. It has tables, toilet facilities and fire grates. To get there take NC Hwy. 109 to Blaine Rd; then left onto Shamrock Rd for 1/4 mile; then turn left on FR 597 for 1 1/2 miles.

FISHING FROM THE SHORELINE

Badin Lake is bordered on the east by the Uwharrie National Forest where you can camp and/or fish in less developed sites like Woodrun Hunt Camp, West Morris Mountain and Yates Place available on a first-come basis. Also, fishing and primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the forest.

FISHING AND CAMPING

Camp in one of Badin Lake Recreation Area's four developed campgrounds: Arrowhead, Badin Lake, Canebrake Horse Camp and Badin Group. RV hook ups are available at most of these. Reserve a site by calling (877) 444-6777 or at www.recreation.gov. Click here for more information about camping and overnight stays.

Fishing at Lake TIllery

BOAT RAMPS

Swift Island Boat Landing- 4917 NC Hwy. 24/27, Mt. Gilead, NC is the largest launch pad and paved parking lot on the lake with 100 boat trailer spaces. *Be careful when you leave the cove as there is a low bridge to go under. Anyone with a stationary wake tour or super structure should use the Lilly's Bridge access. Pontoons with "Bimini" tops will need to keep them down until they have passed under the bridge.

FISHING PIER

Lilly's Bridge- 1097 Lilly's Bridge Rd. Mt. Gilead, NC has to be one of the best fishing places around for easy places to get to. The old bridge is no longer open to vehicles, so scores of people fish from the bridge that stretches across the cove with plenty of space and opportunity to catch a variety of fish.

GUIDED FISHING TOUR

Lilly's Bridge Marina - 1183 Lilly's Bridge Road Mt. Gilead, NC (704) 985-4496. www.lillysbridgemarina.com offers a guided kayak fishing tour that starts with a boat ride to the fringes of where power boats can go no further and then with a 13-year US Army Veteran leading the way, you'll paddle kayaks to remote fishing spots!

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Fishing at Falls (Narrows) Reservoir

Falls (Narrows) Reservoir is REMOTE. If you are looking to get away from the crowd and do not mind traveling a few miles of dirt roads Falls Reservoir is a beautiful serene place. There is a little dirt ramp and turn around (we suggest 4-wheel drive only) to set in a small boat or canoe for fishing. Fishing along the banks is great too with part of the Falls Dam visible much of the year from several places along the banks.